InstaClinic currently prescribes anti-obesity medications “off- label” called semaglutides (GLP-1 receptor agonists) from a compounding pharmacy. Some examples of the FDA approved medications are Ozempic and Wygovy. Semaglutides are the active ingredient in these medications. Clinical evidence shows these medications are effective in helping people lose weight. Prescribing a medication to treat a condition other than the one it was approved for is called “off-label prescribing”;  which is legal, safe, and common: 1 out of 5 prescriptions written in the U.S. are off-label. Typically, when a medication is in high demand, such as semaglutides, compounding is approved.

GLP-1 agonists mimic a hormone called glucagon like peptide that work in several different ways. First, they delay gastric emptying, which make you feel fuller for longer. Second, they suppress appetite and decrease cravings which makes reducing calorie intake easier. And third, it prompts the body to release more insulin which then causes a decrease in blood sugar levels. People who use these types of medication can achieve up to 15% body weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications that include exercise and improved eating habits. This medication is a self-administered, weekly injection. For a more in-depth review of the pathophysiology of these medications please read this Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Additionally, you may enjoy watching these videos by endocrinologist, Dr. Lee-Shing Chang, which gives a great overview on semaglutides: Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss and Prescribing GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. 

We are licensed in the following states:

• Arkansas
• California (*at this time we cannot ship to California-please check back!)
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Wyoming

Likely, yes. We typically accept lab work done within the last 12 months, but may request new lab work and lab work routinely while you are on the program. We work with your local lab to order this and receive the results. Your health insurance may cover this cost. Typical lab work that we will request includes CBC, CMP, HgbA1C, Lipid Panel, and TSH.

We deliver your care remotely a majority of the time. On occasion, we may provide you with an in-person visit at your home. We also offer Remote Patient Monitoring and can provide devices to monitor your vital signs real time including weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Telehealth weight care has fast become one of the most effective and easiest ways to safely access and deliver healthcare. With this comprehensive care team at your fingertips, InstaClinic gives you the health benefits of in-person care from the comfort of your home.

During your initial consultation, your provider will review your medical history, your weight care goals, and current medications you are taking. They’ll use this information to recommend a treatment plan for effective lasting weight loss. During follow up consultations, you can share your progress, ask questions, and address any medical concerns about your weight care. Your provider will monitor you and may adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Typical cadence for a provider visit is the initial visit, when medication adjustments are needed, and then monthly maintenance visits. If you elect to utilize our Remote Patient Monitoring Program, you may be eligible for less frequent maintenance visits.

The American Medical Association and research overwhelmingly shows that obesity is a chronic, complex disease that requires medical attention. Genetics, hormones, and the environment all play a role. Traditional diets can lead to a cycle of weight loss and gain that makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off. Obesity increases the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Weight loss medications increase weight loss and help prevent or reverse such conditions.

During your consultations, the provider will monitor how you respond to ensure the medication is working for you, and will make any adjustments as needed. This could include finding an alternative medication if the first medication prescribed is not the right fit, addressing your side effects, or adjusting your dose. We start all of our patients at a conservative dose and titrate up as needed. We also wean our patients off gradually to avoid drastic withdrawal symptoms.

The goal is to stay on the lowest dose possible to achieve weight loss and minimize potential side effects. Side effects range may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dyspepsia, abdominal distention, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and muscle loss. It is important to notify your provider of side effects that you experience.

InstaClinic does not accept insurance for weight loss medications. Your monthly fee includes the cost of the medication we offer, all weight loss related visits, and Remote Patient Monitoring, should you chose to participate.

The starting monthly fee is $200/month which includes the medication.

The answer is different for each individual. Obesity is a complex chronic disease and genetics cause as many as 70 percent of cases. Many people need to take weight loss medication long-term, even after reaching their weight goal. Combining medication with lifestyle changes not only helps people lose weight, it also helps people maintain weight loss and avoid chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The Obesity Medicine Association considers long-term treatment with medication a current standard of care. You can talk to your provider about a maintenance plan as you approach your goal weight. If you decide to stop taking your medication, your provider will instruct you on safely tapering off.

This is an important environmental topic and necessary to address.

After you use a syringe or a lancet, put it directly into a strong plastic or metal container with a tight cap or lid. When the container is full and tightly sealed with heavy-duty tape, throw it out in the trash. Don’t put this container in your recycling bin. Alternatively, and recommended, purchase a sharps container that has a buy back program. Place your needles in the container and once it is full, request a shipping label to mail it in for proper disposal.

Here are a couple of links for sharps programs.

• Stericycle Waste System
• SharpsAssure Program